Psalms
Summary
Psalm 136 is a liturgical masterpiece often called the "Great Hallel," where every verse concludes with the antiphonal response: "His love endures forever." It begins with a call to give thanks to the "God of gods" and the "Lord of lords," the One who alone does great wonders. The psalm traces God's faithfulness from the dawn of creation: the making of the heavens, the earth, and the great lights: through the historic deliverance of the Exodus and the journey across the wilderness. It celebrates God’s provision and protection, concluding with a final call to give thanks to the God of heaven.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.
who made the great lights, His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.
to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, His love endures forever.
and brought Israel out from among them, His love endures forever.
with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.
to him who divided the Red Sea asunder, His love endures forever.
and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever.
but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever.
to him who led his people through the wilderness, His love endures forever.
to him who struck down great kings, His love endures forever.
and killed mighty kings, His love endures forever.
Sihon king of the Amorites, His love endures forever.
and Og king of Bashan, His love endures forever.
and gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever.
an inheritance to his servant Israel. His love endures forever.
He remembered us in our low estate, His love endures forever.
and freed us from our enemies. His love endures forever.
He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.